Compounder - 2nd/3rd Shift

Orange, CA, USA|

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $19.00 - $26.50

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k Retirement Plan

flexible spending accounts

Life insurance

Disability Coverage

Job Description

McKenna Labs is a reputable full-service contract manufacturing company specializing in the development and production of hair, skin, and body care products. Established in 1998, the company has built a strong foothold in the personal care development and manufacturing industry over the past two decades. Known for its commitment to high-quality personal care and over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical products, McKenna Labs leverages advanced manufacturing processes, stringent quality standards, and a skilled workforce to deliver tailored solutions for a diverse clientele. The company operates in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), emphasizing safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility at every stage of product development and manufacturing. Proudly fostering a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and respect, McKenna Labs continuously strives to provide a supportive and innovative environment for its employees, ensuring the best possible workplace experience regardless of race, gender, orientation, or background.

The role of Compounder at McKenna Labs is an essential position within the manufacturing team, requiring expertise in preparing and blending raw materials to create personal care and OTC pharmaceutical products according to approved formulas and company standards. This position involves operating various manufacturing and powered industrial equipment such as mixing tanks, pumps, homogenizers, and blenders to produce batches of differing complexities efficiently and safely. The Compounder must comply with established procedures, material specifications, GMPs, and safety protocols, ensuring that each batch meets quality and regulatory standards.

The Compounder is responsible not only for the physical preparation of products but also for maintaining thorough documentation throughout the manufacturing process. This includes adhering to batch cards, inspecting raw materials and finished products for quality issues, and communicating effectively with team members to maintain smooth production flow. The role demands a high level of attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to identifying process improvements and bottlenecks. A successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical aptitude, including an understanding of chemical processes, equipment operation, and safety measures, alongside excellent interpersonal skills to foster teamwork and positive work relationships.

Compensation for this role ranges from $19.00 to $26.50 per hour, commensurate with experience and skill level. McKenna Labs offers a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401k retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, life and disability coverage, and additional voluntary benefits to support employee well-being and financial security. The company values work-life balance and flexibility, encouraging a safe and productive environment for all its team members. The ideal candidate will have at least one year of manufacturing experience, preferably in cosmetic, food, or pharmaceutical settings, and possess the ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a team member within a fast-paced, evolving production environment.

Job Requirements

Minimum of one year experience in manufacturing environment
ability to batch single-phase batches using cold processes
basic understanding of dispersion and emulsification
knowledge of chemicals and process parameters including temperature, pH, viscosity, and time
proficiency in operation of tanks and ancillary equipment
team player with ability to work independently
self-sufficient in task management
effective communication and negotiation skills
ability to follow instructions in various formats
good quality recognition skills
strong mathematical skills including unit conversion
basic mechanical aptitude
proficiency in English communication
ability to work in fast-paced manufacturing setting
ability to operate forklifts and material handling equipment
flexibility to change shift or schedule
ability to perform other assigned duties

Job Qualifications

Minimum one year experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably cosmetic, food, or pharmaceutical manufacturing
ability to batch single-phase batches using cold processes
good understanding of manufacturing steps and process requirements
basic knowledge of dispersion and emulsification
understanding of chemical and process parameters including temperature, pH, viscosity, and time
proficiency in operating tanks and ancillary manufacturing equipment safely and correctly
strong teamwork skills combined with ability to work independently
ability to self-manage tasks for successful completion
effective collaboration, communication, and negotiation skills
ability to follow written, verbal, and diagram instructions
ability to distinguish acceptable and unacceptable products and recognize process variations
solid mathematical skills for measurements and conversions
basic mechanical skills for disassembling and assembling equipment
good oral and written communication skills in English

Job Duties

Carry out all responsibilities in compliance with company policies, work procedures, and state, federal, and local laws
fully comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and health and safety regulations
retrieve ingredients necessary to fulfill order, strictly following batch card
handle raw materials prepared for each batch, lift items manually and/or with the aid of lifting equipment
transfer bulk into totes when required and move totes and/or transfer batches to specific production areas
recognize chemical names and observe abnormal characteristics through quality inspection of product and ingredients
operate manufacturing equipment including mixing tanks, pumps, blenders, mills, homogenizers, and ancillary devices while ensuring equipment is clean, sanitized, and functioning correctly
troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions or escalate as needed
maintain and clean equipment according to GMPs and SOPs
inspect equipment and work areas to ensure safety and cleanliness
maintain clear and accurate documentation of each production phase on batch cards
perform tasks aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing waste and production costs
monitor quality outputs and escalate issues to senior Compounders or Manager
communicate relevant information during shift changes to assure continuous production flow
utilize production software such as Deacom to view orders, update schedules, and close jobs
maintain positive and productive relationships with co-workers and other personnel
use personal protective equipment as required and perform other duties as assigned
comply with overtime requirements based on company needs